Magazine content is available exclusively for TIME subscribers.Topsy-Turvy
In 1986, coming out on top was an experience not just for the Chicago Bears and the New York Mets but for another bunch of sometime underdogs: U.S. consumers. At long last, average Americans got measures of economic revenge for many of the indignities they had suffered in recent years at the hands of everyone from Arab oil sheiks to Wall Street's predatory speculators. For consumers, who had already been savoring three years of economic recovery, 1986 was a time of pleasant surprises and unexpected bonuses.
Every season brought something to celebrate. A breathtaking slide in oil prices made gasoline cheaper...
Email, Password or Region is incorrect
A required form parameter was missing.
The System is currently down. Please try again in a few minutes.
Email Address is invalid
Password is blank
Most Popular »
- How Cash Keeps Poor People Poor
- E.T. Turns 30: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Our Favorite Extraterrestrial
- 15-Year-Old Creates Test for Pancreatic Cancer
- Nevada Ghosts: Rare Photos From an A-Bomb Test
- Euro Crisis: Why A Greek Exit Could Be Much Worse Than Expected
- Could a Fertility Gene Discovery Lead to New Male Contraception?
- Fourth Flesh-Eating-Bacteria Case Confirmed in Georgia, Possible Fifth
- 10 Dangerous Products You Might Have in Your Home
- Obama Stumbles? Why the President's Right to Talk About Bain
- Star Wars Turns 35: How TIME Covered the Film Phenomenon
- Researchers Probe the Potential Health Benefits of Palm Oil
- A Visit with Turkey's Controversial Religious Movement
- Feeding the Planet Without Destroying It
- Bubble on the Potomac
- Falcon's Liftoff: How a Private Firm Could Change Space Exploration
- The Fatal Flight of the Superjet 100: Why Did It Slam Into a Mountain?
- Learning That Works
- The Man Who Remade Motherhood
- Bibi's Choice
- Seoul: 10 Things to Do
More News from Our Partners
Top Stories on TIME.com
Quotes of the Day »
